Ships sailing under the Polish flag are set for an overhaul. Along with a number of other safety regulations, communications equipment rules are a top priority.
Currently being enforced alongside its safety inspection and survey policy, these communication equipment regulations are equally important. Not only for vessels 15 to 24 meters, though — but even those shorter in length.
In order to get a Ship Station licence, all boat owners must outfit their vessels accordingly. Unlike the safety inspection, this maritime communications equipment is expected on craft both below and above 15 meters in length.
Amongst other expectations, a VHF radio and licence seem the most pertinent for boats of all sizes. Though, the communications equipment required varies based on the boat’s usage, not just its length.
Polish Maritime Communications Equipment Regulations
Naturally, the type of ship and, most importantly, its usage are factors. As per other important safety regulations, zoning mainly dictates the mandatory communications setup required, though.
For example, in the case of ships only sailing closer to shore, more leniency is granted regarding the advancement of the equipment required. However, those sailing further afield must outfit their boat more fittingly to accommodate the accompanying dangers.
Zoning & Corresponding Requirements
T-Zone: Territorial waters around Poland, commonly used for training purposes.
Zone 1: Sheltered sailing areas, including waters within 6 nautical miles from the shoreline and designated areas — such as the Szczecin Lagoon, the Pomeranian Bay south of the line connecting the lighthouse Niechorze with the Nord Perd promontory on the Isle of Rugia, in the Gdansk Bay south of the line connecting the lighthouse Hel with the lighthouse in Krynica Morska, or waters with similar sailing conditions.
Required communications equipment: VHF radio (recommended).
Zone 2: Coastal areas within 20 nautical miles of the shoreline in the Baltic Sea or enclosed areas with similar sailing conditions.
Required communications equipment: VHF radio (required).
Zone 3: High seas within 200 nautical miles of the coastline.
Required communications equipment:
- Fixed VHF radio with DSC.
- 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
- A device for receiving weather forecasts and warnings.
Zone 4: Unrestricted oceanic waters.
Required communications equipment:
- Fixed VHF radio with DSC.
- 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
- A device for receiving weather forecasts and warnings.
- Satellite ship terminal, MH/HF radio (medium/shortwave) with a DSC system, or a mobile phone able to call the emergency number of the maritime rescue centre.
- A rescue radar transponder (SART) or rescue AIS transponder (AIS SART).
Other Polish Maritime Regulations
A lot is changing in regard to safety regulations for ships sailing under the Polish flag. Not only in terms of regulations but the enforcement of pre-existing ones. Maritime radio equipment is now a top priority.
Ensuring the relevant VHF licence, equipment, and communications regulations are met will enable Polish boat owners to get their ship station licence.
However, there are more changes to come. Read about the other newly-enforced Polish safety regulations to brush up on these important updates.